China: Limestone storage jar decorated with images of the Eight Immortals, Ming Dynsty (1368-1644), 16th century

The Eight Immortals (Chinese: Baxian; Pa-hsien) are a group of legendary 'xian' (immortals; transcendents; fairies) in Chinese mythology. Each Immortal's power can give life or destroy evil. Most of them are said to have been born in the Tang Dynasty or Song Dynasty.

They are revered in Daoism (Taoism) and are also a popular element in secular Chinese culture. They are said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea which includes Penglai Mountain-Island.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Frans Pegt

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Pictures From History